Secretary Byrd urges Florida veterans to preserve their memories by participating in the state’s new oral history project
Tallahassee, Florida – In honor of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 17, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd is urging veterans across the state to come forward and share their personal military stories. The effort is part of the newly launched Major John Leroy Haynes Florida Veterans’ History Program, a statewide initiative aimed at preserving the firsthand accounts of Florida’s veterans for future generations.
“The stories from Florida veterans provide valuable lessons about courage, sacrifice and resilience,” said Secretary Byrd. “This program honors their service by capturing and preserving their unique experiences and making those narratives available now and for future generations.”
The program, which was recently signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, focuses on collecting oral histories, written accounts, letters, photographs, and other personal artifacts from veterans of all military branches and ranks. Veterans are encouraged to schedule interviews to tell their stories in their own words, ensuring their contributions are remembered as part of Florida’s historical record.
To support the launch, the Florida Veterans’ History Program will be onsite at the Miami Military Museum this Saturday during the unveiling ceremony of the Miami-Dade County Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. A recording booth will be available at the event, giving local veterans an opportunity to share their memories directly with program staff.
The program also extends beyond oral interviews. Families and veterans can contribute personal materials such as diaries, letters, or wartime photographs. These submissions will be archived by the Florida Department of State and showcased on a new website created for the initiative: https://DOS.FL.gov/VeteransHistory. The website highlights the impact Florida veterans have made and provides a deeper look into the state’s military history.
In addition to the website, the Department will share selected stories and updates on social media through the Florida Veterans’ History Program’s Facebook and YouTube pages @FLVeteransHistory, making the veterans’ experiences widely accessible to the public.
Interested veterans or their families can reach out to the program by emailing [email protected] or by calling (850) 245-6780 to schedule interviews or submit materials.
By collecting and preserving these stories, the program not only honors the bravery and service of Florida’s veterans but also ensures that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
